Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

Guildford - Currently closed for refurbishment.

Pizza Express remains a hugely popular bedrock of casual eating. Its popularity is testimony to the fact that across the country, they have restaurants where you will always be guaranteed a good nosh, with children's tastes being well catered for.

Pizza Express has gone even more Roman, and following the success of that particular example of listening to their public have introduced Romana pizzas, including the scorching Etna and the hearty Siciliana.

These pizzas are now thinner, bigger and crispier, and if that sounds like a marketing line, it is. However, unlike many such lines, this one is true, and their quality is always consistent, though cleverly they have still managed to retain a homemade feel to their pizzas.

As an alternative to pizza, try their pollo pesto - cavatappi pasta with torn chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella in a creamy gruyere, parmesan and pesto sauce and finished with grana padano - or the niçoise salad with mixed leaves, yellowfin tuna, free range egg, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes with olives, anchovies, capers and house dressing.

Many of the big chains have come a long way, and Pizza Express is certainly amongst them. One of the first to be quoted on the Stock Exchange - in 1993 - Pizza Express is not a franchise operation and retains tight control through its own staff.

Their wine list - though short - contains some surprisingly good offerings, especially their intense Australian Chardonnay, and a big, full-bodied Merlot from Cusumano, Sicilia.

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking.

Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken. Their claim to serve freshly prepared quality food in stylish and comfortable surroundings with friendly and efficient service proved to be absolutely spot on.

Since then I have also discovered that a degree of consistency seems to operate throughout their restaurants, and that certainly does take some achieving, implying a degree of management that is enviable. They are perfect places for an impromptu snack, a bit of culinary grazing, or the full works, and families are catered for particularly well.

Their trendy décor usually comprises tiled floors and black furniture with well set tables that sparkle with glass, silver and spotless linen. Ten starters include crostini and bruschetta, followed by a range of salads, pasta and al forno, oven baked pasta, some with chicken.

The pizzas are stone baked in the oven, creating a crisp, authentic and delicious flavour, and they all come topped with mozzarella and tomato. Calzone introduce a touch of opulence with a folded pizza baked in the oven and topped with garlic butter and melted grana padano, whilst inside expect to find chicken or a vegetarian mix.

Amongst the specials may I warmly, in every sense, recommend the polpette al forno, a popular Milanese dish of beef meatballs sautéed in garlic with fire roasted peppers, caramelised onions, chilli and pomodoro sauce, with penne pasta, topped with cheese and oven baked.

An enticing selection of desserts list banoffee pie and tiramisu amongst them, and the coffee tastes like coffee, which may sound banal, but I guess you know what I mean.

Thanks to a well selected wine list speculative drinking can offer handsome dividends, even with prices rarely crossing the £20 barrier.

The Withies Inn has stood the test of time, right from the 16th century and today, although it has been sufficiently modernised to accommodate a restaurant, it still retains the old world charm in plenty. The low beamed ceiling, dim lights and eclectic interior creates a very laidback and relaxed atmosphere while the pretty garden with the ivy covered pergola is a delightful place to sit back and sip a beer or two.

The restaurant offers traditional British cuisine, with the likes of smoked salmon and prawn cocktail amongst starters, followed by escalope of veal marsala or a grilled rump steak. There are some seasonal specialities such as oysters, wild duck and grouse while salads and fish are good choices too. Desserts include homemade apple pie and the specialty coffees are worth a try. Nibble on bar snacks such as hot jacket potatoes and sandwiches and enjoy their selection of fine wines and beers.

This recently refurbished gastropub in Guildford has become quite popular amongst the locals and visitors alike, particularly because of the pleasant ambience and lovely fish dishes that set it apart. The décor might seem a tad on the chic side, but at The Olive Tree, the cheerful pink adds a touch of glamour that only builds up the atmosphere beautifully with warm and attentive service that rounds off the picture.

With the menu favouring seafood, it wouldn't be surprising to have starters of char grilled squid, mussels or crab salad although vegetarians are not left behind, with choices such as a flavoursome grilled goat's cheese salad. For main course, the baked cod in herb crust is delightful as is the seared tuna. Puddings are delicious and homemade and the carefully constructed wine list from Bibendum offers plenty of reasonable choices that are true bargains.

You can recognise a Bar Med outlet from its characteristic symbol of the sun outside, but once inside, each branch has its own unique personality and style. This chain of seven bars provides a relaxed environment by day, but the pace quickens in the evening with pulsating music and a festive air fuelled by a range of drinks and cocktails. Every one hosts themed nights, such as karaoke, retro, pole dance and rhythm and blues on different days of the week.

They specialise in Mediterranean inspired food, from tapas and fajitas to special stuffed breads, risotto and summer salads. Begin your meal with salt cod croquettes, chorizo sausages, crumbed tender squid or grilled chicken kebabs. The chef's recommendations of Spain's paella and seared tuna loin are sure fire hits, as are the tortilla wraps with innovative fillings such as roasted tomato and onion jam, and tuna mayonnaise, red onion and cheese

Their drinks menu has an interesting mix of wines under different headings, like 'to chill out', 'party', 'to have fun' and 'to take it easy'. Cocktails are served in jugs and are meant for sharing; the list goes on to include a selection of shots, sparkling wines and champagne. End your meal simply but memorably with a chocolate brownie stack or Eli's cookies and cream cheesecake.

The décor is modern, with gaily-coloured orange, green and blue walls, huge glass panels and bright lights. Bar Med brings together entertainment and fun along with good food, making it an attractive destination to stop over for a quick bite or a relaxing drink after work.